Political and Economic Influences on Health

Question 1

Describe the key characteristics of screening as a form of secondary prevention

Answer 1

Responds to recognised needs
Objectives defined fom outset
Defined target population
Scientific evidence of effectiveness
Integrate education, testing and programme management
Quality assurance mechanisms to minimise screening risk
Ensure confidentiality, informed choice and respect autonomy
Promote equity and chance of screening in entire population
Programme evaluation planned from outset
Overall benefits outweigh harm

Question 2

Describe the difference between a propagated and endenmic curve in an outbreak analysed by public health

Answer 2

Endemic curve - point source

Propagated curve - person to person transmission

Question 3

Describe how population exposure to infective agents is reduced

Answer 3

Sanitation
Strict agricultural and husbandry regulations
Measures against healthcare acquired infections

Question 4

Describe the WHO ranking for healthcare systems

Answer 4

Health (50%) - disability adjusted life expectancy
Respinsiveness (25%) - speed of service, protection from privacy, quality of amenities
Fair financial contribution (25%)

Question 5

Describe what the government can do to improve population health as a whole

Answer 5

Reduce unemployment
Promote active transport by adding more cycle lanes
Building more leisure centres
Free school meals in early years
Fat tax
Minimum pricing and alcohol legislation

Question 6

Discuss the impact of political, economic and military forces on health

Answer 6

Democracy, international rivalry, civil conflict, ethno-religious problems, income inequality, rapid urbanisation, lvevel of educational attainment and level of economic development all affect funding allocation, resources actually spent, productivity and exposure to population risk factors.